Loop-taker and actuating mechanism therefor



7 Sheets- Sheet 1.

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H. R. TRACY. LOOP TAKER AND AGTUATING MBGHANISM THERBFOR.

No.l 470,796. Patented Mar. 15, 1892'.

7 Sheets-Sheet 2.

H. R. TRACY. y LOOP TAKBR AND AGTUATINGMEGHANISM THEREPOR.

No. 470,796.v PatentedMar. l5, 1892.

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H. R. TRACY. `LOOP TAKER AND AGTUATING MEGHANISM THEREOR.

No. 470,796. Patented Mar. 15, 1892.

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H. R. TRACY. LOOP TAKER AND AGTUATING MBGHANISM THEREFOR.

No. 470,796. A Patented Mam. 15, 1892.

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7 Sheets-Sheet `5.

(No Model.)

yH. R. TRACY. 4LOOP TAKE?. AND AGTUATING MEGHANISM THBRBFOR. No. 470,796. Patented lVIaLr. 15, 1892.

(No Model.) 7 Sheets-Sheet 6,

H. R. TRACY. vL00? .TAKBR AND AGTUATING MBGHANISM THBREPOR. No. 470,796. Patented Mar. 15, 1892.

(No Model.) 7 Sheets-Sheet 7.

H.. R. TRACY. LOOP TAKBB. AND AGTUATING MBGEANISM THEREPOR.

- No. 470,796. Patented Mar. 15, 1892.

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mm www@ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

I'IARRIET vRUTH TRACY, OF NEW BRIGHTON, NEV YORK.

Loop-TAKER AND ACTUATING MECHANISM THEREFOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 470,796, dated March 15, 1892.

I Application iiled December 8, 189]. Serial No. 414,414. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern,.-

Be it known that I, HAREIET RUTH TRACY, a citizen of the United States, residing at New Brighton, in the county of Richmond and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in VSewing- Machines; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to sewing-machines.

The object of the invention is to produce a sewing-machine in which the loop-taker shall be capable of acting in and of itself as a takeup, thus obviating necessity of a separate take-up device.

IVith this object in view the invention consists, primarily, in a revoluble loop-taker pro- -vided with openings in its periphery, forming opposing hooks, the openings to serve to retain the needle-thread upon the loop-taker for carriage of the loop of the needle-thread entirely around it and to keep the thread from contact with the drivin g-wheel and the opposing hooks to serve to take and take up the thread, the loop-taker to be suitably supported and combined with a driving device gearing with, taking against, or in any other suitable manner engaging its positive and accurately-timed movement may be given to the loop-taker; furthermore, in a sewing-machine comprising a revoluble looptaker provided with openings in its periphery forming opposingr hooks, a driving device, and stop mechanism whereby motion having` been imparted to the loop-taker it is caused to stop at predetermined sewing-machine comprising a revoluble looptaker provided with openings in its periphery forming opposing hooks, the loop-taker being suit-ably supported and combined with driving mechanism and with a reversible feeding device, whereby the fabric under-operation may be moved in either of two directions; furthermore, in a revoluble loop-taker provided with openings in its periphery forming opposing hooks, the loop-taker having a chamber for thread-supply to present a shuttle, said shuttle to be suitably supported and combined with a peripheral driving device; furthermore, in a revolu'ble loop-taker provided periphery, so thatpoints; furthermore, in al with openings in its periphery forming opposing hooks, the loop-taker being provided with an internal chamber containing a spool or bobbin forming a shuttle and the spool or bobbin having' a surrounding band ot' sprlng metal with openings in its ends, the thread of the spool lor bobbin passing through one or more of the openings, whereby a tension is placed on the thread, and, finally, in various novel details of construction whereby the object of the invention is attained.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrating some forms of embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sewing-machine containing my invention. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is an inverted plan view with the reversible feed in position. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the reversible feed separate. Fig. is an inverted plan view showing a portion of the machine with the :reversible feed removed. Fig.'6 is a side view of the inner face of the loop-taker. Fig. 7 is a side view of the outer face of the loop-taker. Fig. 8 is an end View of the loop-taker. Fig. 9 is a similar view showing the loop-taker revolved ninety degrecs from the position shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a central vertical section of the looptaker with a spool or bobbin of thread in it, the two together comprising` a shuttle. Fig. 11 is a side view of the spool or bobbin with the improved tension device placed upon it. Fig. 12 is a detail view of a supporting device for the driving and stopping mechanism. Fig. 13 is a view, partly in section, showing the means for accomplishing the stopping and starting ofthe shuttle. Fig. 14 is a view in side elevation of a wheel having a camgroove, whereby the pins of the stopping mechanism are operated. Fig. 15 is a detached view of the loop-taker and needle arranged to form a lock-stitch', showing the positions of the threads just after the needlethread has been engaged by the loop-taker. Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, showing the positions of the thread when the first loop is drawn out to its fullest extent around the loop-taker and a second loop is to be taken. Fig. 17 is a View similar to Fig. 15, showing the second loop after being carried a short distance by the loop-taker and the first loop moving up to the shed. Fig. 18 is a View IOO showing particularly the first loop when about to be released before being drawn up into the cloth. Figs. 19 to 23 illustrate the different positions assumed by the needlethread in the formation of a chain-stitch made by my improved loop-taker and Figs. 24 to 2G illustrate the formation et a lock-stitch by a loop-taker provided with three sets of hooks. 1n the drawings, A represents the main driving-shaf t of the machine, on which is placed a belt or other wheel A2, which receives motion from any suitable source, such as a treadle, motor, or the like. Motion from the driving-shaft is communicated to the needlebar and to the shuttle in any suitable wellknown way to cause two reci procations ofthe needle-bar to each complete revolution of the loop-taker.

One way of driving` the loop-taker is shown inthe accompanying drawings. A large gearwhcel B of suitable size and fixed upon the driving-shaft back of the loop-taker has at each side ot' it and supported in hangers t) on shaft-s b2 gear-wheels B2 of one-half the diameter of the gear-wheel B and meshing with this wheel, while mounted loosely on the outer ends of the shafts b2 are gear-wheels B3 ofthe same diameter as theloop-taker. interposed between each of the gear-wheels B2 and a gearwheel B3 is the mechanism whereby the gear` wheels 33 are given motion from the shafts b2 and are stopped twice during each complete revolution of the shafts. This mechanism comprises a wheel C, fixed upon the shaft b2 and carrying on its inner face a rigid pin c, upon which slides a plate c2, carrying a pin c, which is capable of sliding through a hole in the wheel C to project from the front face thereof or to be withdrawn to a position bringing its end iiush with the outer face of the wheel. The upper portion of the plate c2 projects a short distance above the pin 03, and this projection enters grooves clin plates D on the hangers as the wheel C revolves. The grooves d are so formed that as the pins c3 are moved by the Wheel C said grooves will cause these pins to moveinto oneof the curved slots 11" of the gear-wheelsB3 at the time when the needle of the machine, through suitable intermediate mechanism, is at a position to to present the loop of the needle-thread carried thereby to one of the hooks of the looptaker. The pins c3, enteringthe slots bturn the wheels B3 around half a revolution,when the pins are withdrawn and pass through the space between the plates I) before they are again brought into engagement with the gear wheels 33. The peripheries of the wheels C are provided With cam-grooves el, in which rest plates c5, carrying pins eG. The plates c5 are supported on the pins c7, which are placed in such position on the hangers Z) as to be opposite to slots b1 in the gear-wheels B3. The

pins receive a reciprocating motion during the operation of the machine and the Wheels C are so placed on their c6 are projected into one of the slots shafts that the pins L at the time when the pins c" are withdrawn from the slots b3, serving to check the motion of the gear-wheels.

As additional means of checking the inotion of thc gear-wheels 133, I provide the sprin gseated pins es with their outer ends rounded, these pins being designed to enter indentations in the inner face ofl the gear-wheels, placed in such position as to be opposite the pins cq when the i1npelling-pins are withdrawn.

rhe mechanism just described, constituting the stop device, is not herein specifically claimed, the same forming the subject-matter of another application for Letters Pat-ent executed of even date herewith and filed December lS, 1891, Serial No. 415,520.

The loop-taker of the m achin-e is designated by the letter E. It is preferably made in the form illustrated in the drawings, decreasing in thickness from a point near its center toward its circumference, where the thickness is so reduced as to present a small edge,and the periphery is provided with gcar-teeth meshingl with those of the gear-wheels B3.

rlhe loop-taker shown in Figs. l to 23 is shown as provided on opposite sides with openings c e2, extending inward from its periphery, which produce opposing hooks c e and holding and escape hooks e4 e". Between each set of hooks is a space of su flieient width to permit the free entrance and escape of the thread. The openings c e3 are preferably formed, as shown, slanting inward from the periphery of the loop-taker, thereby produeing the short hooks ci e, by which the loop of the needle-thread is engaged and the elongated retaining and escape hooks c* e", by which the loop is taken after passing approximately half-way around the loop-taker, retained and then released beneath the needle. There the loopetaker has twoperiphcral openings forming two sets of hooks, the opposin g hooks e3 e are about at diametrically-oppo site points on the periphery, and the looptaker must be stopped at the proper point in each half-revolution in order to cause it to complete a stitch and take up all slack; but in order not to have to stop the loop-taker this may have three or any further uneven number of peripheral openings, the loop-taker being` properly timed with relation to the movement of the needle and the opposing hooks are then far from diametrically opposite.

In Figs. 3l to 2G the shuttle shown is provided with three indentations forming three sets of hooks. The shuttle is supported in a circular raceway formed by the brackets c, attached to the frame ot' the machine, and between the brackets are left openings permitting the meshing of the geanwheels B with the gearteeth on theperipheryof the loop-taker. One side ot' the loop-taker is provided with a clramber e for containing the lower thread of the machine when it is to be used to make a lockstiteh, and the thread carried on aspochbob- IIO bin, or the like is confined in the chamber by a plate e7 of a diameter slightly less than that of the opening in which it is to be placed, leaving an annular space around the plate for the passage of the lower thread.

To prevent too rapid feeding of the lower thread during the rapid operation of the machine and to keep the same uniform at all times, I provide a band e8, of spring metal, having an opening at each end for the passage of the thread. This band is to be placed around the spool or bobbin and by its resiliency act as a tension on the thread, thereby regulating its outlet. This constitutes atension device and is not herein claimed, thesame forming the subject of another applica tion for Letters Patent executed of even date herewith and filed December `15, 1891, Serial The feed of the machine is operated by the two cams F and F2, placed on the drivingshaft of the machine. The cam F bears upon the lower end of a projecting arm f2 of a bar f, which is pivoted to a stud f3, attached to the lower face of the work-plate of the machine, and thus the bar f is given an up-anddown motion as the shaft revolves. The bar fbears upon the under side of a bar 1, carrying the toothed portion f5, the serrated parts of which project through slots-in the work-plate of the machine. The bar fl is pivoted to and carried by a bar f6, which is soy attached to the work-plate by a screw passing through the openings fw. 'lo the bar f is. attached a rodf7, resting in a socket f8 and has its lower end bearing upon the cam F2, so that as the cam F2 revolves a backand-forth motion is imparted to the feed simultaneously with the rising motion imparted from cam F. A small spring f9 is interposed between the plate f4 and the workplate of the machine and aids in returning the feed to its lower position after being raised in feeding. To return the feed toits normal position horizontally after each impulse, av

helical spring f 10 is attached to the end of the bar f and to a studv f 11 on the work-plate. The sockets f8 are attached one on each side of the machine, and as the plate f6 is attached to the work-plate by a screw which is easily removed the direction of feeding may quickly be changed by changing the barf6 and its appurtenances from one side of the plate to the other, according to the direction in which it is desired to feed. p r

The mechanism last described, constituting a reversible feed, is not herein specifically claimed by itself alone, the same forming the subject of another application for Letters Patent executed of even date herewith and filed December 18, 1891, Serial No. 415,519.

`The machine herein described is capable of operation to form either a lock-stitch or a chain-stitch. The loop-taker being set to make one of these stitches, turning it around or over or reversing the motion of the driving-shaft will set it to make the other; but

lower thread H is shown in the position in v which it is placed preparatory to operating the machine, its free end being placed between the workplate I and the cloth J. Fig.

16 represents the position assumed by the v loop of the needle-thread Gafterhavingbeen carried approximately half-way around the loop-taker and spread out over the surface of the same. Fig. 17 represents the positions of the two threads'after the second loop has been taken by the loop-taker and the same is being formed from the material of the loop, the thread having meantime been carried out through the cloth and the feed moved to advance the cloth the distance corresponding to the length of a stitch, and Fig. 18 represents the positions of the loops at the point when the first loop is about to be drawn upinto the cloth and shed from the retaining-hook e4, and the lower thread, which has'been inclosed bythe loop, is about to be drawn up into the cloth to complete the stitch.

In the formation of the lock-stitch by the machine, as herein described, it will be observed that each hook e3 passes through the loop of the needle-thread formed by the ad- -Va'nce of the hook c3 before engaging the needle-threadto form a second loop, and in the formation of a lock-stitch the cloth is moved in the direction of the arrows in Figs. 15, 16,

17, and 1,8. o

In the use of the loop-taker for the purpose of forming the ordinary chain-stitch the parts are arranged in such manner as to cause the cloth to feed in the direction of the arrows in Figs. l9,20,2l,22, and 23. In Fig.19 the needle-thread Gris shown as engaged by one of the hooks e3 and as having been carried a short distance bythe sam e. Fig. 2O illustrates the position of the loop after having been carried by the hook a distance approximately half-way around the loop-taker. Fig. 21 shows the loop-taker turned a short distance farther .in its revolution than is shown in Fig. 20,the

second hook e3 just engaging the loopv of the needle-thread and prior to the passage of this second hook through the firstloop of the needle-.thread. Fig. 22 shows the positions as-1 sumed by the loops after the loop-taker has been given about a quarter-turn from the position shown in Fig. 21,and Fig. 23 shows the first loop being diawn'u p to inclose the thread of the second loop and the needle in a position to descend to allow a third loop to be taken by one of the hooks c3.

To insure a complete and accurate formation of the stitches, the machine is so arranged that when one of the retaining-hooks e1 in the loop-taker with two peripheral openings has reached a position beneath the needle, where the loop is just about to be shed, the motion of the loop-taker is stopped unt-il the needle comes down and rises, leaving its loop, and

the loop is taken by the hook c3 and the cloth taker. This compensates with each loop, so

that a very large loop may be, formed; or, in other words,the shuttle may be large, so large as to take a large commercial spool or any other large supply of thread.

In Figi. 24, 25, and 2G isillustrated a form of loop-taker in which no stopping is necessary. In this form the periphery of the looptaker is provided with three indentations arranged equidistan-t from each other and forming three sets of hooks instead of two, as previously illustrated. In a machine embodying this form of loop-taker the movements of the needle-bar are so timed that the looptaker makes two-thirds of a revolution between each descent of the needle. The operation of this form of loop-taker is the same as that previously described, except in the matter of the order in which the loep-taking hooks operate. There three sets of hooks are used,the order of engagementis: first set No. l, then set No. 3, then set No. 2, then set No. l, dsc., each alternate set passing through the loop of the needle-thread carried by the next previous set without engagement. In the form having three sets of hooks it will be seen that a greater turning of the loop-taker is permitted between each descent of the needle, and it is found that the time allowed is amply suiiicient to allow the accurate taking up of each completed loop between the operations of the needle.

The use of the loop-taker provided with three sets of hooks is herein illustrated in the formation of a lock-stitch; but it will be clear that by leaving out the lower thread and rcversing the loop-taker, reversing the driving motion, or reversing' the feed a chain-stitch may be formed.

While I have particularly herein described the use of two and three sets of hooks on each loop-taker, I do not, of course, wish to limit myself in this respect, as any desired number of sets of hooks may be employed, the number depending upon the speed at which it is desired to operate the machine, the character of the stitches to be formed, dac.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. A revoluble loop-taker provided with openings in its periphery forming opposing hooks, the openings to serve to retain the needle-thread upon the loop-taker for carriage of the loop of the needle-thread entirely around itI and being of depth suiiicientto keep the thread from contact with the drivingwheel, and the opposing hooks to serve to take and take up the thread, this loop-taker to be suitably supported and combined with a driving device having peripheral engagement with it, so that positive and accuratelytimed movement may be given to the looptaker, substantially as described.

2. A revoluble loop-taker provided with openings in its periphery forming opposing hooks, the openings to serve to retain the needle-thread upon the loop-taker for carriage of the loop of the needle-thread entirely around it and being oi' depth suilicient to keep the thread from contact with the drivingwheel, and the opposing hooks to serve to take and take up the thread, the loop-taker' having a chamber for thread-supply supported and combined with a driving device having peripheral engagement with it, substantially as described.

The combination, with a revoluble looptaker provided with openings in its periphery forming opposing hooks, the openings to serve to retain the needle-thread upon the loop-taker for carriage of the loop of the needle-thread entirely around it and being of depth sufficient to keep the thread from contact with the driving-wl1eel,ai'1d the opposing hooks to serve to take and take up the thread, of driving mechanism and a reversible feeding device whereby the fabric under operation may be moved in either of two directions, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

I'IARRIET RUTH TRACY.

Titnesscsz R. G. DYRENFORTH, E. Il. IAnnr.

IOO 

